[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 138 (Friday, August 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E765-E766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG NOAA/NWS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHUCK EDWARDS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 15, 2025

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest 
gratitude for the Greenville-Spartanburg NOAA/NWS team's exceptional 
service during and after Hurricane Helene, one of the most devastating 
extreme weather events in recent history.
  In September of 2024, as Helene approached, the Greenville-
Spartanburg NOAA/NWS team rose to meet an unprecedented challenge. Even 
before the storm made landfall, the mountains were saturated with six 
to ten inches of rainfall, setting the stage for life-threatening flash 
floods and landslides. When Helene struck, their ability to accurately 
forecast this complex, multi-phase event and deliver timely, targeted 
warnings was critical in saving lives and reducing property damage.
  Their proactive approach demonstrated innovation, precision, and an 
unwavering commitment to public safety. The issuance of sixteen flash 
flood emergencies, a record for the region, reflected their urgency and 
clarity in communication. These alerts, combined with clear guidance, 
helped thousands of residents take protective action just in time.
  Just as vital was their collaboration with emergency responders, 
schools, media, and community organizations. This coordination 
amplified their life-saving messages and ensured widespread access to 
accurate, up-to-date information during the storm's most dangerous 
hours.
  Their service during this disaster is a testament to the critical 
role federal agencies play in disaster response. The Greenville-
Spartanburg NOAA/NWS team has set the gold standard in preparedness, 
communication, and interagency cooperation that will guide future 
emergency responses across the country.
  On behalf of all of Western North Carolina, I thank Greenville-
Spartanburg NOAA/NWS for their outstanding dedication to keeping our 
communities safe.

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